Natural swimming hole
Island View Park beach, Rathbun Lake
Lake · Iowa
About this swimming hole
Island View Park, on the southeast end of Rathbun Lake, has one of the lake's three Corps of Engineers designated swimming beaches - the others are at Buck Creek Park and the Honey Creek Resort. Designated Rathbun beaches are built to eliminate underwater hazards, are buoyed each summer to exclude boats, and have parking, change houses and vault toilets. The Island View beach has a volleyball net, and the adjoining campground is the largest at Rathbun Lake.
Good to know
| Water type | Lake |
|---|---|
| Best season | June-August |
| Fees | $5 per vehicle; $2 per walk-in for ages 13 and older; annual Corps pass $40 |
| Reservations required | No |
| Parking | Corps lots at Island View Park |
| Amenities | swimming beach, beach volleyball net, change houses, vault toilets, campground, boat ramp, playground |
| County | Appanoose County |
| Nearest town | Mystic |
| Safety notes | no lifeguard; swim only inside the buoyed designated beach; several other areas of Rathbun Lake are permanently closed to swimming, including around the control tower, boat ramps and marina moorings |
Map
Official information
Official park / agency page ↗ — check current conditions, fees, and reservations here before you go.
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Island View Park beach, Rathbun Lake?
Yes — Island View Park beach, Rathbun Lake is listed as a natural swimming spot in Iowa. Heads-up: no lifeguard; swim only inside the buoyed designated beach; several other areas of Rathbun Lake are permanently closed to swimming, including around the control tower, boat ramps and marina moorings. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Island View Park beach, Rathbun Lake require reservations?
No reservations are required at Island View Park beach, Rathbun Lake based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Island View Park beach, Rathbun Lake?
Reported fee info: $5 per vehicle; $2 per walk-in for ages 13 and older; annual Corps pass $40. Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Island View Park beach, Rathbun Lake?
The best season is typically June-August.